The proposal would ban autonomous accounts for users under 15 on risk-prone social media and video platforms and establish an EU-wide age-verification system tied to guardian-based access in defined age bands, ranging from no access for under-3 to independent accounts in a safe-by-design environment for 15–17.

Enforcement would rely on existing DSA and AI Act mechanisms, including regulatory supervision, investigations, and penalties up to 6% of worldwide turnover, with additional supervisory fees for some providers.

There is a tension between valuing grassroots cultural venues and recognizing broader industry challenges, underscoring that artistic culture cannot be reduced to a formula for success.

Identity Week Europe is being used as a platform to discuss these challenges with government and industry stakeholders.

Spain is pushing for a higher threshold while remaining engaged in negotiations to build a consensus on the final text.

Reuters is cited as the source for the reporting on the draft.

Industry observers note potential coherence with DSA guidance but flag practical hurdles, such as verifying guardian status and inconsistencies in terminology that could burden providers.

A Stop Killing Games campaign event and comments from policy adviser to an MEP illustrate current interpretations of the draft.

The excerpt provides no concrete policy details or dates, focusing instead on implications of the central claim.

Pilot rollouts of the age-verification app are underway in seven countries with EU-wide deployment aimed by the end of 2026.

The age-verification system is undergoing testing in Cyprus, Denmark, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, and Spain, with plans for full EU coverage by year-end 2026.

The proposal sits within a broader EU regulatory landscape (DSA, AI Act, GDPR) and faces implementation challenges as technology evolves, necessitating ongoing monitoring and updates.